Achilles Tendonitis Remedies

Achilles Tendonitis treatment includes massage and icing, but natural remedies like Vitamin E oil and Castor Oil can help the pain associated with Achilles Tendon pain. Most common in runners, Achilles tendonitis is a condition that affects the band of tissue connecting the calf and the heel. When overworked, this tendon becomes strained and can cause significant discomfort. Most cases of Achilles tendonitis can be effectively treated using self-care strategies and home cures.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

An overuse injury, Achilles tendonitis is characterized by tenderness and pain in the Achilles tendon. The pain associated with the condition often begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg that may progress to episodes of severe pain during excessive physical exertion. Tenderness and stiffness are also common, particularly in the morning.

Self-Care Remedies for Injuries to the Achilles Tendon

While Achilles tendonitis often causes subtle to intense pain, most cases can be treated at home. Methods of treatment range from self-massage to topical applications and supplements. Castor oil, vitamin E oil and turmeric are natural treatment options that relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Castor Oil

A plant-based oil, castor oil is used for treating a number of ailments. The oil is a triglyceride comprised of nearly 90 percent ricinoleic acid, an anti-inflammatory agent. As such, when applied to the site of pain, castor oil relieves pain and minimizes inflammation of the tendon.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is considered a fat-soluble antioxidant. As such, this nutritional substance removes any free radicals from the body that may be contributing to pain. The oil also supports circulatory function, which helps to relieve soreness and inflammation.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a common spice used for a variety of health purposes. The spice contains a chemical compound known as curcumin that serves as an anti-inflammatory. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement by mouth or mixed into a poultice and applied to the injury site to relieve pain, restore circulation and reduce swelling.

An injury typically caused by overuse, Achilles tendonitis typically responds well to self-care techniques and strategies. Resting the affected leg as well as massaging the area help stimulate blood flow to the area. Likewise, nutritional applications including castor oil, vitamin E oil, turmeric and others reduce inflammation and pain.

Castor Oil

A few months ago, my husband had a tear in his achilles tendon. The podiatrist gave him some sort of splint to wear, even before the mri results came back, but it didn't really seem to help. One evening, I rubbed some castor oil on the bottom of his foot and up the back of his leg. The pain subsided about 75%, and he healed very quickly from that point on.

Dietary Changes

I learned that pectin was the culprit for my "Achilles heel". Pectin is another hidden source of MSG. When I learned the possible cause of pain so bad I could hardly walk, I eliminated pectin from my diet and voila the pain went away.

It is important to mention that, for years, I had been in the process of weeding MSG out of my diet which included the flowing agent in common table salt.

Moxibustion, Cupping and Acupuncture

I ran a marathon on a Sunday. Not until the following Monday evening, but without a doubt, I had some serious inflammation in my achilles. Ouch. I went to the doc, who told me to get a small brace from cvs and lay off it for a while. And take some ibuprofen.

I received moxibustion at a previous Acupunture visit. As well as a stick to do it myself. I combo'd the heat, then cupping on the calf, the tendon and the bottom of the foot. the swelling reduced drastically!! And the pain was only minimal. After two treatments and some stretching.

I later went to the Acupunture clinic (PCOM) and received about 10 mini needles in my ankle and a few others to fill the path. I am going to lay off it for another week for safety sake, but I feel cured.

Stiff Running Shoes

I have struggled with Achilles tendonitis in first one heel and then the other. The trick for me was to switch from a soft soled running shoe to a stiffer one. The theory is that the food gets lazy in a soft, squishy shoe and a stiffer one makes the foot work harder, taking pressure off the Achilles tendon. I switched shoes last week and already I am having some relief. I also found that having too low a heel in my running shoes did not help.

Turmeric, DMSO

I'm a 45 year old male who used to be athletic. Over the last 5 years I lived a sedentary life and gained weight. I am trying to get back into shape by playing basketball and tennis. Unfortunately my Achilles tendons felt as if they were going to tear after a short period of exercise. I tried stretching, rest, ice, compression, elevation, etc. No help.

Then I purchased turmeric capsules and a small bottle of DMSO. I took the turmeric, 500 mg, two times a day and rubbed the DMSO on my afflicted area. IMMEDIATELY I saw improvement. I now play regularly with no pain whatsoever. Occasionally I'll have pain elsewhere and I'll rub the DMSO on it. I continue to take the turmeric daily.

Vitamin E Oil, Stretching

I suffered with Achilles tendonitis for 2 years and the doctors and physical therapists wee making it worse. Then I meet a new PT who fixed the problem in one month with soft stretching exercises, walking different (I used to walk toe to heel) and Vitamin E Oil.

Try rubbing Vitamin E Oil in that area until it warms up once or twice a day, especially prior to exercise. The amount is whatever is enough to cover the area and soak through. Make sure to keep it warm after, fast cool downs of the tendon seem to cause problems.